Risk of breach at Nangal, Anandpur Sahib canals after heavy rain triggers erosion

Ropar – Heavy rain has triggered serious erosion along two major canals originating from the Nangal Dam—the Nangal Hydel Canal and the Anandpur Sahib Hydel Canal—posing a major risk of breach near Mindwa village in Anandpur Sahib.

The erosion was found to be more severe along the Anandpur Sahib Hydel Canal, which is maintained by the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL). Villagers, supported by volunteers from the Kar Seva group of Kila Anandgarh Sahib, immediately began plugging the damaged section to prevent further flooding.

Punjab’s Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains rushed to the spot and joined the effort.
“The erosion was first noticed by local villagers who informed me. I immediately alerted the authorities,” Bains said, adding that timely action had prevented a possible flood in several villages.

Officials of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and the Ropar district administration also reached the site. C P Singh, Chief Engineer (Bhakra Dam), said plastic sheets were being used to plug the erosion. He added that the discharge in both canals may need to be reduced, which could divert more water into the Sutlej River, heightening the risk of flooding in low-lying villages.

Ropar Deputy Commissioner Varjeet Singh Walia confirmed that the increased discharge had already caused flooding in Shahpur Bela village, where the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed to assist in rescue operations.

Local reports suggest that the Anandpur Sahib Hydel Canal had been in poor condition due to lack of maintenance, with staff having raised concerns earlier. Authorities are now working on urgent measures to prevent further damage.